Victorian Silver Plated Belt Buckle
Here is an antique original silver plated Victorian era belt buckle which is quite large. Buckle measures nearly 4" in width by 2" in height. These are commonly called "nurses' buckles", this being one of the largest that I've seen.
After the 1840s, and the development of electroplating, nickel silver became popular as a base metal and forms an ideal, strong and bright base for silverware. Nickel silver first became popular as a base metal for silver-plated cutlery and other silverware, notably the electroplated wares called EPNS (electro-plated nickel silver). It is buying used in zippers, good quality keys, costume jewelry, for making musical instruments (e.g., flutes, clarinets). Nickel silver is so named for its silvery color and has no elemental silver in it until plated.
Nurses buckles were used back in 19th/20th Century by registered Nurses as the only personalized part of their uniform and were attached to a belt at the font of their uniform. They came in various eye-catching designs and were typically quite detailed. They would have added a beautiful touch to a somewhat plain and conservative uniform. Hospital usually gave, or sold, a badge to show that they had qualified there. It is the tradition for trained nurses to wear a buckle on their belt this is usually silver and is often Victorian. This is the only bit of individuality that was allowed in a nurse's uniform. Nowadays, these antique buckles make for the perfect Graduation gift for newly qualified Nurses.
Please see my other Victorian era belt buckles and bracelets at http://www.etsy.com/sg-en/shop/victoriansentiments?section_id=7179684
To return to my shop, http://www.etsy.com/shop/victoriansentiments. I have a large selection of original Victorian era jewelry and other items!
Product code: Victorian Silver buying Plated Belt Buckle LARGE